Photo Credit: @nuface (Instagram)
Following an IRS investigation, rapper Twista pleads guilty to willfully failing to pay his taxes and could face up to five years in prison.
Chicago rapper Twista has pleaded guilty to five counts of willfully failing to pay his income taxes. Now, he could face up to five years in prison. According to the IRS Criminal Investigations division, Twista failed to pay income taxes from 2019 to 2023 and owes more than $440,000 in back taxes.
Last week, Twista, whose real name is Carl Mitchell, pleaded guilty to five counts of willfully failing to pay income taxes. He is scheduled for sentencing on October 22, and could face up to five years in prison.
Despite prior warnings from both the IRS and his own accountants, Mitchell “entered into agreements with a third-party company to pay him advances on future royalties, knowing that the IRS would not be able to levy these funds,” said the IRS.
The rapper also has unpaid tax debts dating back to 2011. The government alleges that he made large purchases to support his lifestyle, including buying at least four luxury vehicles.
“IRS Criminal Investigation doesn’t care how famous you are or what you’ve accomplished,” said Adam Jobes, with IRS-CI’s Chicago field office. “If you willfully refuse to pay your taxes, we’ll follow the money and bring you to justice.”
Originally known as Tung Twista, the rapper is best known for his Guinness World Record-setting flow. In 1992, he was recorded at pronouncing 598 syllables in 55 seconds, making him the fastest English-speaking rapper in the world at the time.
He is known for his 2004 album, Kamikaze, which topped the U.S. Billboard 200, and collaborated with comedian Jamie Foxx and the rapper formerly known as Kanye West on the 2003 hit “Slow Jamz.” Twista also appeared on the song “Jewels n’ Drugs” on Lady Gaga’s 2013 album Artpop.
According to the IRS, his income stemmed from performances, album sales, streaming, and royalties. Representatives for Twista did not respond to media requests for comment.
